Full day Great Barrier Reef
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Thala Beach Nature Reserve offers an unforgettable ecolodge experience where you can immerse yourself in pure nature, sink beneath the coral sea and witness the diverse wildlife while enjoying the utmost comfort and luxury.
Welcome to the regions hidden gem nestled on a private headland between Cairns and Port Douglas. Thala’s deluxe eco-lodge options are thoughtfully designed and positioned to preserve the natural beauty of the 145-acre property. Thala prides itself on being an ethical and sustainable resort, offering complimentary experiences to you, our guests, such as nature and wildlife walks, star-gazing nights, and Coconut Odyssey tours.
During your stay, experience the Great Barrier Reef for a full day, guided and educated by marine biologists actively studying dozens of locations over three stunning reefs. Learn about the importance of preserving this incredible natural wonder for generations to come.
Finally, enjoy a luxury sunset sail on your last evening with locally owned and environmentally focused Sailaway Cruises. This adults-only sail provides the perfect end to an immersive nature experience in Far North Queensland.
Package inclusions and exclusions
Experience the unique woodland forest from Thala’s Jungle Walk Cabins, where the deep green, earthy beauty of the jungle meets comfort and convenience. These charming cabins are nestled within the forest, offering a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature. Relax on your private outdoor veranda and listen to the sounds of the forest, or take a stroll along the pathways that wind through the jungle.
Thala’s Eucalypt Bungalows offer a truly unique experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the tropical forest in supreme comfort and privacy. These elevated bungalows are individually positioned and border Thala’s pathways as they gently rise up the headland through the lush Eucalypt forest. As you relax on your private balcony, you’ll be surrounded by the sights and sounds of the forest canopy, making it a delight for birdwatchers. Look out on the sweeping views of the rainforest and native surroundings and feel at one with nature.
Discover a private paradise at Thala Beach Nature Reserve, a deluxe eco and wildlife retreat nestled on 58 hectares of native forest next to the secluded Oak Beach. The family-owned resort is conveniently located just 45 minutes’ drive north of Cairns and 15 minutes south of Port Douglas in Tropical North Queensland, Australia. Enjoy the best of the tropics with panoramic views of the Coral Sea and the lush UNESCO World Heritage Wet Tropics mountain ranges. Surrounded by the Coral Sea on three sides, Thala Beach Nature Reserve provides an idyllic island-style experience, perfect for nature lovers and those seeking relaxation.
Explore Thala’s vast nature reserve on a network of marked walking trails, winding through lush native forests, palm groves, and even our very own coconut plantation. With every step, be immersed in the vibrant ecosystem of Tropical North Queensland, home to a diverse range of unique wildlife.
As you wander, keep your eyes peeled for grazing wallabies, slow-moving monitor lizards, and other elusive creatures that call this natural wonderland home. Don’t forget to look up, where you’ll spot a variety of birds and butterflies flitting among the treetops, providing a stunning display of colour and life.
Take in the beauty of this incredible landscape with the help of complimentary binoculars available from reception, and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Australian wilderness like never before.
Nestled on a private headland jutting into the Coral Sea, Thala Beach Nature Reserve is surrounded by over 2 km of private access sandy beaches and sheltered coves. Take long walks on the beach, enjoy a peaceful picnic under the palm trees, or simply relax in the hammocks and soak up the stunning views. With the tranquil sound of waves lapping against the shore and the soft sea breeze in your hair, Thala’s Oak Beach is your secret piece of paradise.
At Thala Beach Nature Reserve, we offer two unique swimming pool experiences for our guests to enjoy. Our main pool is located at the crest of the headland near Thala’s Main Lodge and offers stunning views of the surrounding forest. Relax and unwind in our waterfall, spas and grottos, or recline on the edge of the water and soak up the tropical ambiance on our sun lounges.
For a more secluded and intimate pool experience, head to our “Rock Pool” nestled among the lush gardens. This smaller pool is perfect for those seeking a quiet oasis to relax in. The pool features a beautiful waterfall cascading into the water and is surrounded by the rainforest, creating a truly serene atmosphere.
Indulge in a serene and restorative experience at the Rejuvenate Massage Studio, offering a range of signature treatments to help you relax and rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. From soothing massages to invigorating facials, body scrubs, and wraps, our skilled therapists will help you unwind and find your inner peace.
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Thala Beach Nature Reserve with our complimentary tours. Our reserve boasts a diverse range of rare habitats and unique wildlife, providing a truly unforgettable experience for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Join our expert rangers and guides on a journey of discovery as they reveal Thala’s many hidden secrets, from the smallest insects to the majestic birds and mammals that call our reserve home. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or a budding wildlife photographer, our tours offer a unique opportunity to deepen your appreciation and understanding of the natural world. Come and explore Thala’s wonderland of flora and fauna today.
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Thala night sky with our exclusive stargazing tour. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, our private location offers an unobstructed view of the glittering Southern Constellations. Our knowledgeable and passionate guide will introduce you to the wonders of the universe, while you bask in the sounds of the rainforest and ocean. Using our high-quality telescopes and binoculars, you’ll get an up-close look at fascinating stars, planets, and other celestial objects at our unique outdoor observatory.
At Thala, bird and butterfly enthusiasts will be delighted by the rich diversity of species that inhabit our nature reserve. Join our resident expert on a guided walk through our lush landscapes, where you’ll witness a symphony of bird calls and marvel at the vibrant colours of our winged residents.
Keep track of the species you spot with our Bird Sighting Calendar, available at the Adventure desk, and remember, complimentary binoculars are available from reception.
Step into the enchanting world of Thala’s Nature and Garden Walks, where you’ll be taken on a journey through 145 acres of stunning native flora and fauna by our passionate and knowledgeable guides.
Explore the rare Littoral rainforest and sandy dunes, where you’ll encounter a plethora of unique and beautiful plant and animal species. Listen to the sweet melodies of native birds and spot wallabies and other fascinating wildlife as you meander through the lush landscape.
Our expert guides will regale you with captivating stories about the area’s ecology, culture, and history, giving you a deeper understanding of the magical world around you. Don’t miss out on this complimentary opportunity to experience the breathtaking beauty of Thala.
Embark on a journey of tropical discovery with our Coconut Odyssey Tour! This unique experience takes you on a sensory adventure, where you’ll get to savor the refreshing taste of young green coconuts and discover the little-known ‘Coconut Apple.’
But that’s not all – our experienced guides will reveal the incredible health benefits of the ‘Tree of Life.’ From boosting your immune system to reducing body fat and lowering cholesterol, coconuts are a true superfood!
And the best part? You won’t even need to hit the gym – our Coconut Odyssey Tour is a fun and delicious way to enhance your wellbeing. Don’t miss out on this tropical adventure!
Nestled in the treetops overlooking the stunning Thala Beach Nature Reserve, Osprey’s Restaurant offers a unique and unforgettable dining experience. With breakfast, lunch, and dinner served daily, you can indulge in a range of mouth-watering dishes while surrounded by the sounds of nature.
At Osprey’s, we take pride in sourcing our produce daily from local markets and suppliers, with a focus on ethical and sustainable ingredients. Our seasonal a la carte menu showcases the very best of tropical North Queensland, with an emphasis on local neighbouring areas like the Atherton Tablelands and The Coral Sea.
More dining options;
Open throughout the day and into the night for tropical cocktails, imported beers, premium spirits and more overlooking the rainforest and coast.
A quirky dining alternative operated in conjunction with Ospreys on selected evenings serving an a la carte menu as the sun goes down.
For a more intimate dining experience, Thala guests can enjoy a picnic in the privacy of their own room or anywhere on the stunning grounds of the Nature Reserve. Simply let us know what time suits you, and we’ll prepare a delicious basket of treats for you to enjoy at your leisure.
Embark on an unforgettable full-day adventure to the outer Great Barrier Reef with Wavelength Eco Reef Cruise, owned and operated by local marine biologists Jenny and John Edmondson. Departing from Port Douglas, this small-group tour takes you to three unique and exclusive reef sites, promising a personalised and low-impact experience.
Wavelength Eco Reef Cruise is committed to sustainability and conservation, with an eco-friendly vessel designed to minimise the impact on the reef. As one of the first Advanced Eco-accredited tourism operators in Australia, they take pride in their eco-tourism practices. Jenny and John are also co-founders of the Eye on the Reef program, one of the largest reef monitoring programs in the world.
You’ll be led by a team of expert and passionate marine biologists who will provide an educational and informative snorkelling experience. Discover the reef’s ecology and learn about the fascinating creatures that call it home during the reef ecology presentation. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore one of the world’s natural wonders with Wavelength Eco Reef Cruises.
Experience the ultimate in luxury sailing with our exclusive Sunset Sailing on your final night. Relax on board one of Sailaway’s high-performance Lagoon catamarans, Sailaway IV and Sailaway VI, as you soak up the stunning views of the Coral Sea and the mountains of Port Douglas.
As you set sail, enjoy a welcome drink and delicious canapés while listening to ambient music and feeling the sea breeze. The spacious vessels provide plenty of room to unwind and take in the sights, whether you prefer to lounge on the foredecks or chat with the skipper on the upstairs bridge area.
Sailaway is a fully licensed vessel, so you can indulge in additional drinks on board, while the friendly crew provides first-class service throughout the trip. Plus, the adult-only policy ensures a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere for you to unwind in.
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience – book your Thala Beach package today and enjoy the thrill of pure sailing at its finest.
Linger a little longer for a great price by adding 2 more nights to your package.
Places to be and places to visit
Groups, families, last minute bookings and upgrades please contact us
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Thala Beach Nature Reserve is internationally renowned and we thought it fitting we donate to an organisation that delivers global conservation efforts. When you book this experience you support World Land Trust’s ‘Buy-an-Arce’ programme.
Tree Hugger Travel will fund the purchase of ¼-acre of biologically significant and threatened habitat per person per reservation.
*For more information about sunscreen damaging our reefs visit the ethically conscious www.earthturtle.com.au/blog
Tell us about any dietary requirements where meals are included.
This trip rates 2 out of 5 meaning it includes some easy physical activities.
Snorkelling is a relatively low-intensity activity and does not require high levels of physical fitness to enjoy.
The walks at Thala Beach Nature Reserve are not overly exerting.
Please do tell us if you think any physical activities can aggravate a medical condition.
Itineraries may be subject to change due to weather events and unforeseen circumstances.
All prices are person unless otherwise stated, are in Australian dollars, are correct at the time of publication & are subject to change without notice.
In addition to the specific terms and conditions outlined above, upon purchase this package is subject to general terms & conditions.